Organizers change venue for Democrats' celebration

RALEIGH, N.C. 
Organizers of a celebration scheduled to kick off the Democratic National Convention are moving the Labor Day event from Charlotte Motor Speedway to the city's downtown.

Charlotte In 2012 spokeswoman Suzi Emmerling said late Monday that as the date of the event drew closer, logistics became a challenge. Emmerling said moving the celebration to downtown Charlotte near the convention venue would make it more accessible and family friendly. The speedway is about 18 miles outside the city.

The convention has already been shortened from the traditional four days to three to have a day to celebrate the region.

The convention is being held at Charlotte's Time Warner Arena. President Barack Obama's nomination acceptance speech on Sept. 6 is scheduled for Bank of America Stadium. Both arenas are in downtown Charlotte.